Morning sickness in pregnancy and remedies to combat it

Why do pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, and what can help relieve it?

Morning nausea and vomiting. In 90% of cases, this is an unmistakable sign that you are pregnant. After completing all the necessary tests—such as a pregnancy test or Beta HCG—to learn more, consult our article Medical support during pregnancy: all the tests and examinations to be done – and after celebrating the good news, one question remains: “ how can you fight that overall feeling of discomfort? ”.


Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions expectant mothers ask, along with practical remedies you can try to help you feel better.

Why do many expectant mothers experience nausea during the first months of pregnancy?

During the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, it’s common to experience frequent nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. These symptoms often occur in the morning or evening, and for some women, even throughout the day.

According to experts, this nausea is caused by hormonal changes that occur early in pregnancy—especially the increased production of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG. Its levels double during the first few weeks after fertilization. This is also the hormone detected in the Beta HCG blood test, which confirms pregnancy. Unfortunately, these side effects can be very unpleasant for many women.

How long does the nausea last?

After about three months, HCG levels stabilize, so nausea and vomiting usually subside. However, some women continue to experience symptoms for a few more weeks, although this is less common.

Is morning nausea dangerous?

Normally, the side effects associated with pregnancy are not severe; in fact, they’re often a positive sign of rising pregnancy hormones.

For this reason, you usually don’t need to worry about your health or your unborn baby’s.

A visit to the doctor is only necessary if your nausea is severe, even when your stomach is empty. Why? It can affect your metabolism and lead to increased fluid loss, which may cause dehydration or even electrolyte imbalances. In this case, hospitalization may be necessary. In particularly extreme cases of nausea—also known as “hyperemesis gravidarum”—hospitalization is often unavoidable; fortunately, these cases are very rare.

How to prevent nausea?



  • Adapt your diet : avoid going too long without eating. It’s often helpful to have small, light snacks several times a day instead of three large meals. Try to avoid foods and dishes that are too heavy or too spicy, and choose low-fat meals.

  • Prefer carbohydrates : Eat a slice of toast or a cracker if you’re hungry; a full stomach can reduce nausea. If you like, you can also have small cubes of Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano. You can still eat salty foods for now; from the 20th week onward, salt should be used in moderation, if not eliminated.

  • Eat as soon as you wake up : If you suffer from morning nausea, it’s advisable to snack on something while you’re still in bed, such as a cracker or some nuts. Raising your blood sugar level may help prevent nausea.

  • Drink plenty of water and choose light, non-carbonated drinks. Don’t like the taste of water? Opt for herbal teas and infusions made with mint or lemon balm, or raspberry leaf, which can help relieve nausea.

  • Incorporate ginger into your routine : its antiemetic effect may soothe the stomach and help reduce nausea.

An effective remedy? Fresh ginger infusion. Prepare it like this: peel and grate two pieces of fresh ginger root into a cup. Pour boiling water over it and let it steep for 5 minutes. You can also add lemon juice and honey.

  • Suck on a wedge of lemon : If you have a nausea attack, hold a lemon wedge to your nose or suck on one: its scent may help reduce retching.

  • Try popsicles : There are popsicles specially designed for pregnant women, flavored in a completely natural way. You can find them on Amazon, so you can rehydrate with taste!

  • Rest : Fatigue can worsen nausea during pregnancy.

  • Acupuncture : If performed carefully by qualified professionals, it may also help reduce nausea.

What foods should you avoid during pregnancy?


It’s worth remembering that during pregnancy there are certain foods that are strongly discouraged, in order not to jeopardize your baby’s health and development. These include alcohol , meat e raw fish , raw dairy products e licorice . To see the full list, check out our article: What to eat during pregnancy? Here are the tips for a proper diet .


Which medications can help reduce nausea?